St. Petersburg, FL – Aurelijius Baltusis has been sentenced to a $4,000 fine and three years of probation for his role in a negligent asbestos disturbance at a large apartment complex renovation project in 2010. The case, brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reveals a pattern of disregard for worker safety and public health during the overhaul of a 480-unit apartment building.
According to court documents, Baltusis, acting as a worksite supervisor for developer Philip J. Farley, III, knowingly oversaw the improper handling and removal of asbestos-containing materials. The purchase agreement for the property reportedly alerted Farley to the presence of asbestos, but instead of hiring qualified abatement professionals from the outset, he directed untrained workers to perform renovations using dangerous “dry-scraping” methods on textured ceilings and floor tiles. This process released asbestos fibers into the air, posing a serious health risk to both the workers and potentially the surrounding community.
The indictment details how asbestos-laden waste was carelessly discarded into a general waste dumpster and transported to the county incinerator, a clear violation of environmental regulations. Even after county air quality inspectors identified the hazardous practices and arrived on site, the illegal activity continued. Baltusis and Farley allegedly ordered workers to wash down asbestos-contaminated appliances, sending contaminated water directly into the public sewer system. While Farley eventually engaged licensed asbestos abatement contractors, the pair continued to direct renovation work, further exacerbating the improper disturbance of the hazardous material.
The EPA’s investigation focused on violations of the Clean Air Act, specifically 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(4), which addresses negligent endangerment related to asbestos. This section of the Act prohibits activities that may cause the release of asbestos fibers into the air without proper precautions. The agency argued that Baltusis’s actions, as supervisor, directly contributed to the unlawful disturbance and removal of asbestos, creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury.
Baltusis pleaded guilty to the charge, accepting responsibility for his role in the endangerment. While Farley was also implicated in the scheme, details regarding his sentencing were not immediately available. The case highlights the critical importance of adhering to strict regulations when dealing with asbestos, a known carcinogen, and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over public safety.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Aurelijius Baltusis
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Crime: Negligent endangerment related to asbestos disturbance
- Statute Violated: 42 U.S.C. § 7413(c)(4) (Clean Air Act)
- Penalty: $4,000 fine and three years probation
- Timeline: Asbestos disturbance occurred between May and December 2010; sentencing on July 7, 2017.
- The renovation project involved a 480-unit apartment complex.
GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments, including the status of Philip J. Farley, III’s legal proceedings.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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